Recap: Ash, Delia, Gary and Professor Oak were looking forward to a peaceful cruise around the Johto region.  Things were very tranquil to start.  A wandering Lapras had befriended Ash along the way.  But things didn't stay peaceful.  A band of pirates raided the ship, the captain kidnapping Ash as means of an easy escape.  But it was ultimately the pirates who had no escape when drowned as a result of being sucked into a giant whirlpool.  If not for Lapras and Lugia, Ash would've suffered the same fate.  Lugia took Ash to a Pokemon inhabited island where Ash made three more Pokemon friends.
( ) after Pokemon talk is the translation
Italic words is psychic speech
(' is Pokemon thoughts
' is human thoughts





                                         Chapter 2: Life on the Island

It was currently noon.  After quite a hectic day yesterday, things were more serene for Ash now.  He had been looking forward to a nice cruise in the Johto region with is mother and friends when a band of pirates ruined that opportunity for him.  First the ship he was on was robbed.  Then the pirate captain took him to ensure the pirates' getaway.

But things only got worse from there.  The pirate ship got caught in a large whirlpool.  In a stupid haste to escape, the pirates manned lifeboats.  The whirlpool quickly claimed their lives.  It would've claimed Ash's as well if not for the Lapras that he befriended.  Lapras dissipated the whirlpool.  Then, Ash got additional help in the form of the legendary Lugia.  Lugia brought Ash to a Pokemon inhabited island.  Wanting to be with Ash, Lapras followed.  Upon being asked what his name was, Ash couldn't answer because the pressure of the whirlpool gave him a case of severe amnesia.  He couldn't remember anything at all.

As of now, Oddish, Pidgey and Sandshrew were showing Ash around.  The Pokemon that they had come across were confused to how a human was now on the island.  But they had good reason to be confused because no human had ever set foot on this island until now.  One of the confused Pokemon was a Charmander.   But this Charmader was different from others.

This Charmander had orange-peach scaly skin instead of plain orange skin.  But the stranger thing was that it didn't have a fiery tail.  It is known that a Charmander dies if its tail flame goes out.  The reson why this Charmander can survive without a fiery tail was the result of an experiment.

| Flashback to two years ago |

A group of scientists in Saffron City were hard at work.  They were trying to come up with a solution that could help Charmander, Charmeleon and Charizard everywhere if successful.  Because there was no guarantee that the experiment would be successful, they had kept it secret.  If the experiment proved successful, then they would let the media in on what they've been doing.

"How is the experiment coming along?" the head scientist asked.

"It's so far so good Dr. Bell.  Her tail flame is almost out, but her vital signs are still very stable," a female scientist responded.

"Excellent.  Just imagine all the Charmander, Charmeleon and Charizard we could help if this is successful," Dr. Bell said.

The experiment that the scientists were referring to was in the drained medium-sized vat.  Inside the vat was a sleeping Charmander.  But this Charmander looked different from other Charmander.  Her skin was orange and peach.  Also, the skin was pretty scaly unlike normal Charmander skin.  That was because they had actually injected her with DNA from a Dragonite.

But Charmander wasn't forced into the lab or anything.  She went willingly.  When a few of the scientists were returning from Celadon City one day, she had heard them talking about finding a Charmander, Charmeleon or Charizard for an experiment that could eliminate its tail flame worries if successful.  Wanting to help the scientists and willing to take the risk in case the experiment fails, she volunteered for the experiment.

So far, it has been two months since the experiment first began.  The process had been slow but the scientists were very patient.  It would take time for the Dragonite DNA to fully mingle with Charmander's DNA.  Soon, they would have the results they patiently waited for.  A few days later, Charmander's tail flame had completely gone out.  The moment of truth had finally arrived.

"Well this is it," Dr. Bell said before filling the vat with Awakening.

Several seconds later, Charmander began to awaken.  She had first panicked upon seeing that she didn't have a tail flame before realizing that she was very much alive.  She then realized that the scientists' experiment was a complete success.  Then she looked up and saw the glass part of the vat lifting up.  Then she looked right into Dr. Bell's eyes.

"How do you feel?" Dr. Bell asked.

"I feel fine," Charmander responded, shocking the scientists.

"Wow, she can talk," another male scientist said.

"I wasn't expecting that.  But it looks like our experiment has been a complete success.  Charmander here is just fine even though her tail flame is non-existent.  This will be the start of a revolution to help all the Charmander, Charmeleon and Charizard everywhere," Dr. Bell said.

As far as Charmander being able to talk, that was the result of a very special visitor.  The legendary Mew had paid visits to the lab when the scientists weren't there.  She had heard what the scientists planned to do.  She was so touched that she decided to do a little experiment of her own on the experimental Charmander.  She had infused it with some of her psychic powers but kept it hidden so the scientists wouldn't suspect anything. 

She had paid visits every now and then to see how Charmander was doing.  She had appeared in the lab and hid herself so that scientists wouldn't see her.  She had seen the results of the experiment and was as relieved as the scientists.  Then she removed the block she put on Charmander's psychic powers before leaving as quickly as she came.

But things wouldn't be happy for much longer.  An explosion had rocked the bulding.  The scientists looked back to see a huge hole in the wall.  A man in a red business suit was standing in the hole in the wall.  He had a sinister smirk on his face.  He had happened to overhear two of the scientists talking about a perfectly healthy Charmander despite a dwindling tail flame about two weeks ago and had sent spies to keep tabs on the experiment.

"Well your experiment was a success.  That's good because now Team Rocket will have good use for it," the man said, never losing the smirk.

"We'll never let Charmander go with an egotistical maniac like you Giovanni," Dr. Bell said.

"You'll have no choice in the matter.  Destroy the lab but bring the Charmander unharmed," Giovanni said before taking his leave.

One of the grunts took Charmander.  Charmander struggled to get free but the grunt injected her with a tranquilizer.  Before the scientists could react, grenades were thrown into the lab.  Team Rocket then left as the lab crumbled from the multiple explosions from the grenades.  The scientists had no chance to escape and were killed.  But Team Rocket would not have Charmander.  Mew had heard the explosion and saw what had happened.  She followed the Team Rocket helicopters.  She found the helicopter that had Charmander and used Teleport on it after using her psychic powers to stop the engine.

The helicopter reappeared on the ground.  Then she used Hypnosis on the grunts inside and took Charmander before disappearing.  She took Charmader to an island where she knew that it would be safe because only Pokemon inabited it.  When Charmander awakened, she found herself on an island.  The Pokemon she saw welcomed her with open arms.  Over the time she spent on the island, she had discovered and developed her psychic powers.  She had also learned nearly all the fire attacks and several dragon attacks.

| End Flashback |

('Maybe the boy and I could be friends') Charmander thought.  She then calmly approached the quartet.  "Who's your friend?" she asked.

Ash was shocked to hear the Charmander talk.  Then he studied the Charmander.  Even though he couldn't remember what a Charmander was, something told him that this one was very unique.

"Odd, oddish odd oddish odd (Well, he doesn't remember his name or anything else)," Oddish responded.

"I feel sorry for him.  Anyway, I was wondering if he and I could be friends," Charmander said.

"I would love that," Ash said smiling.

Charmander smiled as well.  'I'll help you with showing him around," she said.

"Pidgey (Great)," Pidgey said.

"By the way, what kind of Pokemon are you?" Ash asked Charmander.

"I am a Charmander," Charmander responded.

Although Pokemon inhabited the island, not all of them were friendly.  A group of unruly Pokemon had spotted Ash and the others..  This ground of unruly Pokemon hated humans with a vengeance because they were forme trained Pokemon who were physically, verbally and mentally abused and even abandoned by their trainers.  These Pokemon hoped to never see another human again.  They followed Ash and the group of Pokemon with him.

An hour later, Ash and the others stopped to rest.  They were under some fruit trees and Charmander used Psychic to bring some of the fruite down.  Then everyone dug into the fruit, finishing ten minutes later.  Suddenly, a large vine wrapped around Ash.

"What's going on?" Ash asked completely terrified.

"I'll have you free," Charmander said before using Flamethrower on the vine.

The vine quickly dropped Ash before retracting back into the bushes.

"Thank you Charmander," Ash said.

"Don't mention it," Charmander said.

Then a Hydro Pump attack came at the group.  Not impressed, Charmander used Psychic to redirect the Hydro Pump back to sender.  She and the other Pokemon were so distracted with what else could come out that they didn't look up.  A cry for help turned their attention.  They saw a Fearow making off with Ash.

"Pidge, pidgey (Oh no, what do we do now)?" Pidgey asked.

"Oddish odd (There's nothing we can do)," Oddish responded sadly.

"Lugia is his best shot now," Charmander said.

Speaking of Lugia, he was currently speaking with Lapras.  Half an hour later, they heard a very familiar voice crying for help.  They looked up to see Ash in a Fearow's clutches.  Lugia spread his wings are was soon airborne.  It wasn't long before he closed the gap.  He then got in front of Fearow.

"This is as far as you go," Lugia said.

Fearow came at Lugia with a Drill Peck.  Lugia simply used Safeguard.  Before Fearow could attack again, Lugia used Psychic to freeze it in midair.  Then he removed Ash from Fearow's talons before placing Ash onto his back.  Then he used Teleport to transport the Fearow to the other side of the island.

"You all right?" Lugia asked.

"I am now.  Thank you," Ash responded.

"You're welcome.  As you witnessed, that Fearow is part of an unruly group of Pokemon on this island," Lugia said.

"Why are they so unruly?" Ash asked.

"They were once trained Pokemon.  Unfortunately, their trainers weren't too kind to them.  Wanting to get away from their trainers, the Pokemon made their way here.  It has been two years now that they've been here by they still haven't been able to put their pasts behind them.  Their hatred for humans burns even stronger now," Lugia responded.

"That's bad," Ash said.

"I know," Lugia said.  "I'll take you back to the others now," he added.  Fifteen minutes later, he landed in a clearing not too far from where Oddish, Sandshrew, Pidgey and Charmander were.  "Well I'll be at the usual place," he said before flying off again.

"Lugia said that the Pokemon that attacked us were victims of trainer abuse.  That made me wonder how I would fare as a trainer," Ash said.

"Odd oddish odd oddish (I can feel that you would make a great trainer)," Oddish said.

"Sand, sandshrew shrew sand (Yeah, and I would gladly be one of your Pokemon)," Sandshrew said.

"Pidgey (Me too)," Pidgey said.

"Oddish (Me three)," Oddish added.

"They said that they think that you would make a great trainer and are more than willing to be your Pokemon.  I feel the same way," Charmander said.

"Wow, thanks guys," Ash said before looking at Charmander.  "Would you help translate some more for me?  I need to know all of your attacks," he added.

"It would be my pleasure," Charmander said.

One by one, Pidgey, Oddish and Sandshrew told Ash what attacks they could do.  After being a translator, Charmander then told Ash all of her attacks.  Ash paid close attention.  He didn't want to slip up by telling the Pokemon to do a move that they couldn't do.

"What do you say to some training now?" Ash asked.

"Pidgey (Let's do it)," Pidgey responded.

The other Pokemon nodded.

"All right.  Pidgey, Oddish, you're up first," Ash said.

Pidgey and Oddish then took sides.

"Oddish, use Razor Leaf," Ash said.

"Oddish (Here it goes)," Oddish said before unleashing dozens of sharp leaves at Pidgey.

"Pidgey, counter with Gust," Ash said.

Pidgey quickly flew into the air before flapping her wings.  The gush of wind that followed blew most of the razor-sharp leaves back.  But some managed to get through and strike her.

"Okay Pidgey, use Peck!" Ash said.

"Pidge pidgey (You're about to get my point)," Pidgey said, diving for Oddish beak first.

"Oddish, wait until Pidgey is close then jump.  Make sure to time it right though," Ash said.

Oddish nodded and watched Pidgey come closer.  When Pidgey was several inches away, Oddish jumped up.  Pidgey went harmlessly underneath her.  Oddish quickly turned and delivered another Razor Leaf before Pidgey could recuperate.  Pidgey fell out of the sky.

"Good work Oddish," Ash said.

"Oddish (Thank you)," Oddish said.

But Pidgey wasn't out just yet.  She got back up, ready to continue the fight.

"You still want to battle?" Ash asked.

"Pidge, pidgey pidge pidgey (Yes, it's going to take more than that to do me in)," Pidgey  responded nodding.

"Okay then Pidgey, use Quick Attack," Ash said.

Pidgey charged for Oddish so fast that neither Oddish nor Ash could react in time.  Oddish went flying for ten feet.  She slowly got up and came back to her position.

"That was great Pidgey.  I wasn't expecting how fast you would be," Ash said.

"Pidgey.  Pidgey pidge pidgey pidge (Thanks.  We've had to always stay alert because the unruly Pokemon would always give us a hard time)," Pidgey said.

"The unruly Pokemon attacked you?" Ash asked after Charmander translated.

"Yes.  We've always had to retaliate because they wouldn't leave us alone otherwise.  It's true that we are small, but we've had quite a bit of battle experience," Charmander responded.

Then Ash focused back on training.  "Oddish, use Stun Spore!" he said.

Oddish released a powdery yellow substance from her head.  The paralyzing powder headed straight for Pidgey.

"Okay Pidgey.  Use Quick Attack to escape," Ash said.

Pidgey tried her hardest, but she wasn't able to completely escape the Stun Spore.  She fell from the sky, completely paralyzed.  She tried to move but her muscles seemed to be frozen in place.

"Okay Oddish, one more move should..." Ash cut off his sentence when he saw Pidgey glowing.  "What's happening?" he asked in awe.

"Pidgey is evolving," Charmander responded.

"What's evolving?" Ash asked.

"That's when a Pokemon's appearance changes," Charmander responded.

Soon, the evolution was complete.  In the place of the small Pidgey was now a Pidgeotto.

"Pidgeooo (How about another round)?" the newly evolved Pidgeotto asked.  She was no longer under the influence of the Stun Spore.

"Whoa, what is she now?" Ash asked.

"Pidgey evolved into Pidgeotto," Charmander responded.

"Are you feeling well enough to continue Oddish?" Ash asked.

"Odd (Yes)," Oddish responded nodding.

"All right then.  Use Tackle Pidgeotto," Ash said.

Pidgeotto came at Oddish.

"Oddish, just as Pidgeotto is about to make contact with you, jump onto her back," Ash said.

Oddish waited as Pidgeotto came at her.  Several seconds before impact, she jumped onto Pidgeotto's back.

"Now, use Absorb!" Ash said.

Oddish put her leaves on Pidgeotto.  Then she began to drain Pidgeotto's energy.  Pidgeotto began rocking to knock Oddish off but it was in vain.  Oddish had drained enough of her energy, which forced her to land.

"Pidgeooo (I've had enough for now)," Pidgeotto said.

"Okay then," Ash said after Charmander translated.

Oddish then hopped off Pidgeotto's back.  Then she started to glow as well.  The others watched in awe as Oddish began to evolve as well.  Several moments later, a Pokemon with what looked like a closed up flower on her head replaced Oddish.

"Gloom gloom (I evolved too," the newly evolved Pokemon said.

"You're on your way to becoming a great trainer.  Before I willingly gave myself for science, I have seen some pretty good trainers.  From what I've seen, a good trainer is someone who does what's best for his/her Pokemon.  When I told you that Pidgeotto wanted to stop, you agreed without hesitation," Charmander said.

"Thanks Charmander.  Let's head back to where Lugia is now," Ash said.

The others nodded and mde their way back to the shore, Charmander using Psychic to gently carry Pidgeotto.  An hour later, they had made it back.  Lugia was just resting on the beach.  He opened his eyes upon hearing footsteps and looked back to see Ash and the others approaching.

"Done exploring for the day?" Lugia asked.

"Yeah," Ash responded.

Then Lugia noticed that two of the Pokemon looked different.  "I see that you two evolved," he said smiling, addressing Gloom and Pidgeotto.

"Pidgeooo (We sure did)," Pidgeotto said.

Charmander then filled Lugia in on all the details.  He looked at Ash and smiled.

"It looks as though you have what it takes to be a Pokemon Trainer," Lugia said.

"It looks that way," Ash said.

"I know that it has only been one day since you've been here.  But how do you like it here so far?" Charmander asked.

"I like it so far.  I'm really looking forward to being friends with as many Pokemon here as possible," Ash responded.

"You'll have that chance," Lugia said.

Ash had soon settled down for a nap.  Charmander, Sandshrew, Gloom and Pidgeotto gathered around Ash and were soon off to sleep themselves.  Because Lugia already had a nap, he was content with watching over the others.  He thought he saw something shiny a few feet in front of him.  He went over and saw something that he hadn't noticed before.  A heart-shaped locket was lying in the sand.

('I wonder who this belongs to') he thought.  He used his powers to open up the locket.  He smiled upon seeing the picture inside.

The picture was of Ash and his mother.  Lugia turned the locket around and saw the word Ashh on the back of the picture.  He then headed back over to Ash.  Then he used Psychic to place the locket around Ash's neck.

('I would've never thought that the answer to my biggest question would come from something as small as a necklace.  Now things will be a little easier') Lugia thought.  He looked down at Ash.  ('I can feel that things will get a lot tougher for us all, especially you Ash.  But Gloom, Pidgeotto, Lapras, Charmander, Sandshrew and I will always stick by you')



Well we've come to the end of this chapter.  Now you know why Charmander is so rare.  She will also play a big role in the story.  Preview of Chapter 3: Training Days: Ash and Pokemon continue to train on the island.  But the unruly Pokemon will have plans of their own for Ash.   Will the unruly Pokemon succeed?  Stay close to find out.